play on 在文中的含义

play on 在文中的含义
GRE ISSUE ,ETS 给的例文
As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems,the ability of humans to think for themselves will surely deteriorate.
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take.In developing and supporting yourposition,you should consider ways in which the statement might or might nothold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.
句子：
The statement linking technology negatively with free thinking plays on recent human experience over the past century.
这是开头第一句,首先判断plays是谓语动词,那么时态就有问题,这个先不管,play 查的释义有两个 to have an effect on sth 还有 to deal with a situation in the way mentioned,play on 只有 利用 这个意思,如果当 影响 讲的话,这个陈述影响着人类的经历（实践?）,怎么都说不通啊.
其实就是一个简单的语言点,文章本身词语难度还可以,但是很多地方看不懂,关于一些复杂的结构和简单词的灵活用法,让人很烦啊,自己要学写作文,例文都不知道怎么出来的,考G的同学们都是怎么弄的呢,真的不想背模板,自己也不敢瞎写,看人家的也看不懂,悲剧.